Katsina, Plateau order immediate closure of schools over rising insecurity

The Katsina and Plateau state governments have ordered the closure of schools following rising banditry attacks on educational institutions in parts of the country.

Yusuf Jibia, commissioner for basic and secondary education in Katsina, announced the closure of schools in the state on Friday while addressing journalists.

Jibia said the decision was taken to safeguard students and teachers as security agencies implement a new statewide school safety strategy.

He said the directive affects students currently writing examinations, noting that protecting lives and property remains the priority of the state government.

He said the shutdown is a temporary measure that will remain in effect pending a comprehensive security review of identified high-risk areas.

The commissioner said normal academic activities will resume once security assessments are concluded and adequate protection measures are put in place.

He urged parents, teachers and residents to comply with the directive as officials continue to monitor the security situation.

In Plateau, Richard Jonah, public relations officer (PRO) of the Plateau Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), announced the decision in a statement issued on Friday in Jos, the state capital.

Jonah said the directive underscores “the urgent need for preventive action and to safeguard lives and property in the state”.

He said government junior model secondary schools will close from Saturday, November 22, while primary and day schools will close from Monday, November 24.

The SUBEB spokesperson said the closure is a temporary but necessary step to forestall potential security threats, adding that the measure aims to reassure communities that the state government is prioritising the wellbeing of pupils and students.

Jonah advised local government education authorities, school administrators and community leaders to comply fully with the directive and remain vigilant.

The move by both state governments follows recent abductions of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger states, an incident that has heightened concerns among parents and authorities across the north-west.